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On taking leave of Bassenthwaite-water we may observe, that it
was the first lake that was honoured with one of those amusements
called Regattas; this was on the 24th of August, 1780. Another
was exhibited on the 1st of August, 1781, (when the swimming
sweepstakes were introduced); and the last on the 4th of
September, 1782. This species of entertainment was begun on
Derwent-water, on the 28th of August, 1781, and continued there
once in every year till 1791.
That the reader who has not been present at one of these rural
fetes may form some idea of their nature and effects, we subjoin
from the Cumberland Pacquet, the following description of the
Regatta exhibited on Derwent-water, the 6th of September, 1782.
But it will be allowed, by all who have had an opportunity of
seeing it, that every representation, in the absence of the
beauties that surround the scene, must fall infinitely short of
the romantic grandeur it labours to hold up to the imagination.
'At eight o'clock in the morning, a vast concourse of ladies and
gentlemen appeared on the side of the Derwent lake, where a
number of marquees, extending about four hundred yards,
wereerected (sic) for their accommodation. At twelve, such of the
company as were invited by Mr. Pocklington, passed over in boats
to the island which bears his name; and, on their landing, were
saluted by a discharge of his artillery.- This might properly be
called the opening of the Regatta; for as soon as the echo of
this discharge had ceased, a signal gun was fired, and five
boats, which lay upon their oars (on that part of the water which
runs nearest the town of Keswick) instantly pushed off the shore,
and begun (sic) the race.
'A view from any of the attendant boats (of which there were
several) presented a scene which exceeds all description. The
sides of the hoary mountains were clad with spectators, and the
glassy surface of the lake was variegated with a number of
pleasure barges; which, tricked out in all the gayest colors, and
glittering in the rays of a meridian sun, gave a new appearance
to the celebrated beauties of this matchless vale.
'The contending boats passed Pocklington's island, and rounding
St. Herbert's and Ramps-holme, edged down by the outside of
Lord's-island, describing in the race almost a perfect circle,
and, during the greater part of it, in full view of the company.
'About three o'clock, preparations were made for the sham-attack
on Pocklington's island. The fleet (consisting of several barges,
armed with small cannon and musquets) retired out of view, behind
Friar-crag, to prepare for action: previous to which, a flag of
truce was sent to the governor, with a summons to surrender upon
honorable terms. A defiance was returned; soon after which, the
fleet was seen advancing, with great spirit, before the
batteries, and instantly forming in a curved line, a terrible
cannonade began on both sides, accompanied with a dreadful
discharge of musquetry. This continued for some time, and being
echoed from hill to hill, in an amazing variety of sounds, filled
the ear with whatever could produce astonishment and awe. All
nature seemed to be in an uproar, which impressed on the awakened
imagination, the most lively ideas of the 'war of elements,' and
'crush of worlds.'
'After a severe conflict, the enemies were driven from the
attack, in great disorder. A feu-de-joye was then fired in the
fort, and oft repeated by the responsive echoes. The fleet after
a little delay, formed again, and, practising a variety of
beautiful manoeuvres, renewed the attack. Uproar again sprang up,
and the deep-toned echoes of the mountains again joined in the
solemn chorus, which was heard to the distance of ten leagues to
leeward, through the eastern opening of the vast amphitheatre, as
far as Appleby.
The garrison at length capitulated, and the entertainments of the
water being finished, (towards the evening) the company moved to
Keswick; to which place, from the water's edge, a range of lamps
were fixed, very happily disposed, and a number of fire-works
were played off.
'An assembly room (which has been built for the purpose) next
received the ladies and gentlemen, and a dance concluded this
annual festivity;- a chain of amusement which we may venture to
assert, no other spot can possibly furnish, and which want only
to be more universally known, to render this a place of more
general resort than any other in the kingdom.
'To those whom nature's works alone can charm, this spot will, at
all times, be viewed with rapture and astonishment; but no
breast, however unsusceptible of pleasure, can be indifferent to
that display of every beauty which decks the ancient vale of
Keswick on a Regatta-day.'
As the permanent beauties of this matchless vale became more
known and frequented, this amusement was laid aside: it resembled
too much the busy scenes from which the opulent wish to retire to
the enjoyment of rural delight: nor could it long be thought
necessary to employ the assistance of art, in that way, to
heighten the most exalted charms of nature.
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